Located on one side of the Square in downtown Paris, this marker provides the history of the big…read morefire that destroyed much of the city in 1916. The marker is in excellent condition and is easy to read. There is metered street parking nearby and some lots. The marker reads, "Although Paris was founded in the mid-1840s, many of its historic structures were lost in a fire that destroyed almost half the town in 1916. The blaze started about five o'clock on the afternoon of March 21, 1916, at the S. J. Long Warehouse near the southwest city limits. Its cause is unknown, but one theory is that a spark from a switch engine ignited dry grass near the warehouse. Winds estimated at 50 miles per hour soon blew the fire out of control as it burned a funnel-shaped path to the northeast edge of Paris. "Firemen from Bonham, Cooper, Dallas, Honey Grove, and Hugo, Okla., helped the Paris Fire Department battle the flames, which were visible up to 40 miles away. The blaze destroyed most of the central business district and swept through a residential area before it was controlled at about sunrise on March 22. "Property damage from the fire was estimated at $11,000,000. The structures burned included the Federal Building and post office, Lamar County Courthouse and Jail, City Hall, most commercial buildings, and several churches. Rebuilding was begun quickly as townspeople collected relief funds and opened their homes to the victims. A railroad and market center before the disaster, Paris soon regained its former prosperity." This is marker number 8216 and it was erected in 1976 by the Texas Historical Commission. [Review 715 of 2024 - 477 in Texas - 21746 overall]

I stopped in here on a Saturday afternoon with friends, and it's a fantastic spot for brews and…read morepizza! The hatch chili pizza was delicious. I got a very unique NY bottled cider that I've never seen anywhere else. It was delicious. My husband loved the lager. They offer flights to try 4 choices! Staff come to the table to order, which is nice! And the building is very pretty inside. Bright and airy with plants. I'd definitely go back when I'm back in the area!

Pizza and beer both excellent Highly recommend for a great…read moreplace to go in Paris,Tx FYI the entry is on the side across from court house